Hey...here is chapter 2- We Meet Officially
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Sakura stared at the papers in her hands.
She had worked so hard on them, spending each sleepless night typing them on her laptop. She was lucky to have them done the day before, because she knew with having Tomoyo around, her friend would never leave her alone. But today she had gone looking for a house along with her fiancé, Eriol Hiiragizawa. Almost all people envied her...just because she was the fiancée of the co-captain of the Dragons, who had just won the championships yesterday.
She always thought Tomoyo luckier than her. Tomoyo was a famous designer who was well known all over Asia. Most of her products were modelled, while the rest went around the world to be sold.
She had everything. She was beautiful, she was sweet and kind, and was perfectly talented with an enchanting voice. As for making so much money from selling her products, she was rich...and she had something that Sakura never had...love.
Sakura wouldn't care in having the riches, the looks...all she needed was someone to nurture her heart, though she would never admit.
Tomoyo and Eriol had met a year ago, and it was something like 'love at first sight'. And from ever since they had never been apart, well excluding the part when Eriol had practices or had to go abroad for games. So, whenever Eriol wasn't with her, Sakura had allowed her friend to make her own apartment feel as home, but now that Eriol was back after finishing his championships, he had decided with Tomoyo that they would be getting married the next month.
Sakura sighed as she set her head down on the desk.
'When is Ben gonna get here...?' she groaned. Why had she taken all the trouble to get here when he himself, being the boss, wasn't here?
Sakura stared outside the window as she thought about the guy she had met...twice!
He seemed quite familiar. She could swear that she had seen him somewhere before.
Before she could even try and think any more of her 'mysterious encounter', the door was opened sharply. A businessman, who looked heavily loaded, walked into the room with a grim look on his face.
All the attendants, including Sakura stood up at his sudden entrance.
The man instantly slammed the door behind him, but no one spoke a word. This was a daily routine of his.
Briskly Ben walked in between all the desks that lead to his 'private' office.
A clerk, who had entered the large room out of nowhere, followed the man to his office.
As soon as another slam was heard, every officer released his or her held breaths. Heavily they slumped to their seats and got to work.
A lady who was seated in front of Sakura at her own desk turned around to face her.
"He looks grumpy today, ne?" she said in her acute Japanese accent.
Sakura smiled slightly, "Yeah...I guess he is stuck with that" she said forcing to another smile hoping the lady wouldn't notice her tiredness.
"Are you okay Sakura...you look as if you never slept last night"
Sakura looked up at the brown eyes, "Thanks for worrying Sora...but I promise I am fine...even though I did sleep well last night...I am just a bit edgy I guess...I have the conference papers ready for Ben"
Sora looked up at her interest, "Hopefully he will compliment you!"
"Yeah...but I don't think anything will change today"
Sora sighed, "Maybe...but hey, look on the bright side, at least you don't have to go to the conference with Ben...unlike me"
Sakura laughed light-heartedly, "Don't worry Sora...you'll make it through"
"I hope" she sulked.
Sakura felt sad for her friend...well anyone would. After all, she was attending the conference meeting with their boss...that was supposed to be the day after tomorrow.
"Kinomoto...have those papers ready for me, NOW!!" a loud gruff voice commanded over the intercom.
Sakura cringed as she closed her ears.
'Next time Sakura...wear cotton buds before you even enter this building'
"Yes...I heard him, it's an intercom...he doesn't have to shout!" she snapped hoping she would have enough courage to say that in front of him.
"Good luck Sakura" Sora warned with a smile on her face.
Sakura got up from her seat and made sure her blazer wasn't crumpled. Gathering the papers in her hands, she pushed back a strand of hair from her face.
Looking back at her friend she nodded, "I'll need it...and hopefully I'll get more" she said nervously.
By this time everyone in the office was looking at her.
'Okay...I'll change that...I don't need sympathetic looks...if that guy says anything, I'll just shut up' she said to herself.
Taking a huge gulp she strode towards the office where the clerk was sitting, looking like a ridiculous guard.
There was a weird expression on his face.
"The boss's expecting you...don't give him too much...just save some for me" he said roughly as he turned the doorknob.
Sakura narrowed her eyes, "Beat it clerk boy...or you'll never see daylight again" she bit savagely, knowing what he meant.
The clerk opened the door wide, "Ohh...defended!" he smirked.
Sakura entered the room, not before answering back.
"You'll be the one who needs to learn defence when you fall into your grave" she hissed pulling back the door.
"Now, now Kinomoto...there is no need to get angry...is there?"
Sakura froze her ground. She was still facing the door, and yet she could feel the cold stare of her boss on her back. Slowly she turned around, facing him, slightly trembling.
"Uh...I've got the papers, sir" she quivered setting the papers down on the huge desk.
She could feel a cold invisible breeze wrap around her.
'Eh...I am sure there is no air-conditioner in here'
Ben took hold of the papers, and went through the first one.
"Very good..." he mumbled going through the second one.
Sakura bit her lower lip, as she twiddled with her fingers.
'Just eleven more papers Sakura...stay still'
By the look on Ben's face anyone could see that he was very pleased.
At end of five minutes he set the papers down on the desk, playing around with a glass weight.
Sakura stood perfectly still looking down.
'My legs are killing me...I need to move them!'
Ben looked up at his worker.
"Oh sorry Kinomoto, would you please have a seat...I think I made you stand long enough"
Sakura nodded thanks, taking a seat, while Ben stared with interest at her.
She felt like as if in a trap under his gaze.
"Kinomoto...I must say, I am very pleased with your work" he finally said lowering his gaze down to her face.
Sakura smiled a little, "Thanks you, sir"
The man frowned at this, "Oh Kinomoto, we've known each other for how long?" he started, "...about five to six months...I don't think it's appropriate to still be on the first name's basis...don't you think so?" he asked in a whisper.
Sakura did like his tone one bit, 'What is this rascal getting to now...uh, hel-lo there are workers who have known him for at least five years, and he still doesn't allow them to call him by his first name, vice versa too...well at least...not in front of him'
"I don't think so Mr Rogers...I work under you, so I think it's better if our attitude towards each other stays like our positions" she said looking right into his grey eyes.
The man looked at her flatly. But in his eyes you could see that he was clearly taken back by this.
Sakura stood up briskly at this. This had gone too far.
'Time to go'
She walked to wards the door then looked back at him, "I'll take my leave now" she said in a calm voice.
Sakura flung the door open but before she could step outside, a grave voice held her tight in spot.
"Kinomoto...if your attitude towards me goes on like this...you'll soon find yourself without a job...understand?" he scowled.
Sakura frowned hard then stepped outside.
"Perfectly"
And with that she closed the door, wanting to slam it hard.
She noticed that the clerk was looking at her with a smile.
Rolling her eyes she walked back to her desk. From since then, the day went on like always, but the 'little' talk with Ben still intrigued her mind. There was something on his mind, and that was one thing she could feel from that snake.
Ben Rogers was known well over Tokyo as a fine manufacturer. The two companies he owned were quite popular in their own good deeds. They produced cream products that were well used by almost every beautician, by the name Trésor. These companies were an inheritance, which was passed down from Ben's late father to him...and till now he seemed to be doing a great job at it. That is until he lost all his shares...he was completely aggravated. But soon, a few weeks later he got married...to a rich Tokyo family. And ever since then, the company hasn't been going any better.
Rumours has it that Ben had used his wife's family inheritance to cover his own shares, but no one dares to say it in front of the boss.
As Ben takes care of one company, his brother was appointed with the other. They both known to have the same type of minds...well at least that is what people who work under them think.
The ride home was the usual, and her tiredness was the usual too. Too Sakura it felt as if it was eleven, but in reality it was only nine. She felt as if she could drop down anytime. Not to forget mentioning.
'Note: Never fall asleep when driving' Sakura reminded herself parking the car then walking up to her apartment.
When she opened the main door, Tomoyo was the first one to greet her with a squeal.
"Oh Sakura...WE FOUND A HOUSE!!!" she yelled with a little 'more than expected' anticipation.
Sakura soon found herself in a tight bear hug. She could just fall asleep there.
Eriol just stood behind her leaning on the doorframe.
"Darling...I think Sakura is a bit 'too' tired" he said emphasising the 'too'.
Tomoyo immediately pulled apart and looked closely at her friend's half closed eyes.
"Poor Sakura" she whispered smiling sadly.
Sakura's eyes focused hard, "Hey Tomoyo...congratulations" she grinned lacking some enthusiasm. After untangling herself from Tomoyo's arms, she swayed towards her room.
"Uh Tomoyo...I am not hungry...but you can eat anything there is in the kitchen...sorry...but I feel so...tired" she swept closing the door behind her.
The couple just stared at each other then walked to the living room snuggling on the couch.
"She works so hard" Tomoyo started, "...and she always gets tired"
Eriol looked at his future-wife lovingly, "Maybe, we can help her out"
Tomoyo blinked back tears, "But she never lets anyone help her...not even me!"
Eriol cupped her chin and spoke softly, "She needs time Tomoyo...she is still healing from her past"
"But...why can't she let me help her...I am her best friend...not to mention...her third cousin!" she whined.
Eriol laughed at her behaviour, "How about this...ask her if she is free on Saturday evening"
Tomoyo looked up from his chest confused, "Why?"
He ran his fingers through her silky hair, "Remember...we are having the winning party?"
It suddenly struck Tomoyo, "Oh yeah...but I thought only the team members, coaches and the sponsors are allowed to come"
Eriol bit back a laugh, "Don't forget their dates"
Tomoyo's eyes widened for a second, then she frowned, "But she doesn't have a..." before she could complete she understood what Eriol had actually meant.
"Him?" she asked...hopefully.
Eriol's eyes sparkled, "Yes dear...him"
"Does he know...have you told him...has he agreed...wait he doesn't even know her!"
Eriol laughed once again at his fiancée's bubbly nature.
"We can arrange that can't we," he said with an evil glint in his eyes.
Tomoyo smiled widely, "Of course...he will love her...I am absolutely sure of it!"
Eriol looked back at the door, "Well...let's just see what she thinks about it"
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"Really?" Sakura asked not believing a word her friend was saying.
"Yeah really...isn't it just great...I can always come here!"
Sakura laughed hugging her friend. Tomoyo had just finished telling her that they had already bought a house, which wasn't very far away from the apartment. Sakura at first was very astounded, while Tomoyo found it hard to believe that Sakura couldn't remember that she had already told her the news yesterday.
'That confirms that she was really tired'
Sakura held tight to her friend's hands.
"When are you two moving in?" she asked excited.
"Today...Eriol said, the quicker the better...but mother says I could have waited for a few more days"
Sakura smiled, "She is just worried...don't worry"
"I know...she asked me to ask you something"
"What is it?"
"Sakura...you know...how before you used to say with us..."
Sakura nodded.
"My mother grew very fond of you in those years...and she thought of you as he own daughter"
Sakura looked down at her breakfast.
"Sakura..." Tomoyo lifted her face with her finger, "...mother asked me...if you would like to move in...since I am not going to be there anymore"
Sakura looked away from her friend's gaze and stared outside into the morning sky.
"No Tomoyo...I can't...I am delighted she asked me...but I can't...I just can't"
Tomoyo sighed, but shook away her disappointment.
"I understand Sakura...forget about it" Tomoyo forced on a smile.
"I..."
Tomoyo held her by her shoulders, "What did I say?' she asked sternly, then her face softened, "Can you help me move into the new house?" she asked suddenly.
Sakura looked up at her friend and flashed a smile, "Of course"
"Alright!"
They both got up from the dining table and washed their plates at the sink.
At the moment they were quite full.
"You know Sakura...you must open a pancake shop" Tomoyo joked.
Sakura playfully hit her arm, "Very funny...I don't want to turn too sweet...do I?"
They both laughed at their dry joke.
Soon after they were in Sakura's room, sitting on the bed having a girl talk.
"It's a good thing you have a holiday today" Tomoyo sighed.
"Yeah" Sakura agreed, "I was so tired yesterday...I almost fell asleep while driving"
"You almost fell asleep on me when you arrived"
"Hey!" Sakura protested pouting.
"Really...I told you that we had found a house...but you never said anything about it...you just went to your room as if drunk and said that you wouldn't be having dinner"
Sakura apologised sheepishly then added, "That explains why I was so hungry for breakfast"
Tomoyo giggled at this.
"You shouldn't work so hard Sakura"
But the girl only smiled, "It's not hard work...I just don't sleep well at night..." he smile immediately faded, but before she could say anything else Tomoyo interrupted her, "No Sakura...don't think about that...just forget it...it's the past!"
Sakura fell back on her bed, " I try to...but I just can't"
"Forget it...let's not talk about that" Tomoyo insisted. She didn't want Sakura's day to spoil already. She had something 'special' planned for her.
Sakura looked up at the ceiling, "Tomoyo...I don't know what I could have done without you or aunty"
"Sakura!!" Tomoyo cried throwing her a pillow.
Sakura laughed, "Okay, okay"
Tomoyo looked at her. She was fiddling with a book.
'This is the perfect chance'
"Uh...Sakura?"
Sakura gave her, her attention.
Tomoyo looked at the hung clock, then back at Sakura.
"I'll have to leave in about fifteen minutes..."
"But why?" Sakura asked not wanting her friend to leave so early.
"I have to go with Eriol to get the furniture and all...he thinks that it's better to buy new furniture here than to bring them all the way from England"
Sakura silently nodded. Eriol was actually born in England, but he always stuck to Japanese culture, god knows why.
"Okay" she nodded.
"One of Eriol's friend will be visiting you today"
Sakura frowned momentarily, "Why?" she asked once more.
Tomoyo giggled, "Don't worry...he will just be here to get my bag from here...that's it!"
Sakura sighed, "Fine"
And before she knew it Tomoyo was already waving her goodbye.
She closed the door sighing heavily. Dragging her self to her bed, she fell on it.
Sakura's mind suddenly drifted off to the man she had encountered yesterday.
"I know him...I am sure I know him...but from where..." then suddenly she slapped her forehead. She instantly hopped from her bed.
Quickly she ran to the kitchen counter and snatched yesterday's newspaper that was lying there uselessly.
She stared at the front page...her eyes scanning the man under the main headline.
She gasped loudly, "Sakura...how can you be so stupid!!!" she exclaimed holding her breath. She dropped the paper from her hands.
Pulling out a chair, she sat down trying to calm herself down.
Then she started laughing uncontrollably, "I didn't recognise the captain of the most famous soccer team...Sakura...you have one thick head..." she said between her laughs.
Before she could get control of her self, she leaned back on the chair, causing into to fall backwards. Sakura screamed at first, then groaned when she made impact with the ground.
Picking herself up awkwardly, she pushed back the non-broken chair inside the table.
She bent her neck around, and then walked to her room.
"I think I am going to need a safety helmet from now on...not to mention...thick pair of glasses too"
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"So what did he say?" a feminine voice asked anxiously.
"He agreed!"
"Right on", "Now let's see, if his magnet really works on her!"
# * # * # * # * # * #
Syaoran grumbled as he looked down at a small piece of paper while driving his car.
Just leave it to Eriol to spoil his day of perfect relaxation.
"Where is this house?" he questioned himself looking down at the address written down on the paper.
Till now he had gone through so many streets, but still couldn't find a San Pablo Rd.
'I knew I should have brought the Street Directory' he sighed.
Syaoran leaned down to look at the street name he was heading for.
"Lisburn Ave...?" Syaoran repeated raising a brow.
'Am I really in Japan?'
After a few more turns and twists, and going through almost every street he saw, he parked the Lexus, just where he had started before, on the same street he had started from.
"Let's forget pride for now and ask someone" he scolded himself.
'Let me think this through again...why am I...out of everyone...supposed to bring Tomoyo's luggage from her friend's house...why couldn't Eriol bring it himself...after all he is her fiancé...but since they have gone for 'shopping'...they let their 'dear' friend do their work...hump...take me as a bell boy huh?'
He pulled the hood of his loose jacket over his head.
'Why was this the only disguise I could think of...oh yeah...I am going to a girl's house...can't wear a fake moustache or act like Sherlock Holmes'
Still muttering he climbed out of his car.
Thankfully there were no people staring at him.
'Okay, so I have been going round and round in this small town...and I still can't find this road...and why on earth does Tomoyo want her luggage now itself' he groaned as he walked near an old man.
"Um...excuse me...can you tell me where I can find San Pablo Road..."
The man just looked at him with a lost expression.
Syaoran who had his head kept down looked up, "...please?"
The man shook his head, "You are one crazy kid," he laughed walking away.
Syaoran just stared at the retreating man.
"Did I say something wrong?" he mused.
Rubbing his forehead he walked towards a woman who just seemed to be passing by.
'Hmm...she is pretty...bite it Syaoran...your here to find a street...not find a woman!'
"Hello..." he greeted, "Can you please help me find San Pablo Road?" he asked in his perfect accent.
The lady only laughed at him.
'Okay...I have had enough of people laughing at me'
"You are standing on it" she replied.
The answer was just enough to embarrass Syaoran.
"I...err...thank you" and with that he rushed to his car.
Pulling down the hood he looked at the rear view mirror.
'Syaoran...you fool...I have been on it all along'
Getting his car to ignition he drove slowly, careful not to miss the house.
Once more he looked down at the paper in his hands.
17 Luxbern, San Pablo Rd
A building immediately came into view. This is it.
'An apartment...why on earth would a fashion designer live in a apartment like this...I thought she was rich!'
He parked the car on the side of a street... where there were no yellow-lines.
Pulling on his hood again he walked inside the building.
'Wearing a hood in this weather is certainly not good. It's burning hot'
After a bit of walking he stepped in front of a door.
'Number 17...this is it'
Reluctantly he rang the bell.
He waited, but nothing happened. So, he rang it once more.
A few seconds passed...and out of nowhere a loud thud was heard from inside.
"Uh..." Syaoran sweet dropped. 'What is going on inside?'
Getting a bit intrigued he rang it again, causing another loud thump inside, except this time it was a bit too loud.
Before he could even raise his rams to ring it again the door was slammed open with such force, that Syaoran actually had to look away.
"Hey...no hurry" he yelped rubbing his eyes.
Then he felt the presence of someone standing in front of him.
Standing steadily he looked up. His eyes immediately widened at the familiar figure that was gaping right back at him.
"Uh...aren't you that girl I met yesterday?" he asked trying to make sure he wasn't dreaming.
The girl just nodded dumbly, her wet bang synchronising with her movements. There were beads of water droplets on her face, which rolled down her face, then down her neck, trailing inside her shirt, which was stuck to her skin.
Smiling warmly Syaoran extended his hand. 'Time for my major entrance'
"Hi...as you might know by now...I am Syaoran, Syaoran Li...Eriol's friend"
Sakura just stood there stumped for a second then she clasped her slender hands with his. He shook it gently.
"You might be here to take Tomoyo's luggage?" she said in a neutral expression, but from inside she shuddered as she felt the warm contact with his hand.
He nodded, still not loosing his smile.
"My name is Sakura Kinomoto...Tomoyo's friend"
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Hope you liked this chapter. Please review. Until then...Sayonara.
